Israeli PM calls Turkish President "a dictator", Turkish Interior Minister calls for Jerusalem liberation
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have exchanged sharp criticism as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over Israel's military operations in the region.
In a post on X, Netanyahu described Erdogan as an "antisemitic dictator" and accused him of supporting Hamas, suppressing political opponents, and carrying out actions against the Kurdish population.
"The antisemitic dictator Erdogan... is the last person who can lecture the State of Israel on morality," Netanyahu wrote.
He also defended the Israeli military, calling it the "most moral army in the world," and said Israel would continue taking action against Iran and groups allied with it.
The exchange follows remarks by Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, who said Turkey would one day witness the "liberation of Jerusalem" and its return to Turkish control.
"Just as we witnessed the liberation of Damascus, Aleppo, and Karabakh, God willing, one day we will also witness the liberation of Jerusalem," Ciftci said during a conference. He added that the city would once again come under Turkish sovereignty and credited Erdogan's leadership for that vision.
Israel's Foreign Ministry responded by rejecting the remarks and stating that Jerusalem would remain Israel's capital.
"The corrupt Ottoman Empire is gone. Forever. Jerusalem shall remain the eternal capital of Israel," the ministry said in a social media post.
Erdogan has also intensified his criticism of Israel in recent days. Addressing lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, he said Israel's military actions in Syria and Lebanon had reached a point where they could threaten Turkey as well.
He warned that Ankara would respond strongly if the rights of Turkey or Turkish Cypriots were violated in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey has been one of the strongest critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Ankara has suspended trade with Israel and has repeatedly called for stronger international action against the Israeli government.
Erdogan also urged the international community to act, arguing that Israel had been encouraged by global silence and calling on countries to ensure compliance with international law.
